What is the 'coffee rave' trend that is making people groove early morning to DJ beats in casual fits

Saturday night parties have taken a back seat because there is a new social trend happening in broad daylight, steered not by blingy disco lights or disco drinks, but by vanilla lattes and espresso shots.

This is all about the coffee raves, which is a quickly growing culture that’s turning cafés into daytime dance floors across Indian cities.Originally gaining popularity in European cities like Amsterdam, London, and Paris, the trend made its way to New York and is now stirring things up in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Indore. It’s a concept where dance music meets day drinking, except the “drink” is a double shot of caffeine, and the crowd is just as energetic as any Friday night club scene.

What is a coffee rave?

A coffee rave is a daytime dance party set inside a coffee shop. Where people groove to thumping electronic beats in casual clothing, with a DJ spinning tracks while baristas serve up cappuccinos, not cocktails.There’s no alcohol, no bouncers, no dress code, just music, community, and a jolt of caffeine. These events are organised to be inclusive, safe, and vibe-filled spaces for anyone who loves da

ncing but doesn’t want to deal with the chaos of a nightclub.

How did this trend start

The trend traces its roots back to Europe’s underground day raves, often held in bakeries and cafés before work hours. The concept exploded across social media with clips of people dancing beside croissants and cold brews, and made its way to Los Angeles and New York before entering Indian pop culture.In 2023, Kitchen Rave by The Baykery in Mumbai gave India its first taste of the kind by combining electronic music and brunch in a feel-good morning party.This trend is spearheaded popularly by DJ Tanishq, whose “More Coffee More Rave” tour in cafés of Indore and Gurugram made this famous. His main motive was to create high-energy spaces where people can come together without the typical nightlife barriers.

In these events, even the coffee counter becomes the DJ booth, and baristas serve espresso shots mid-set to keep the crowd buzzing. It’s inclusive, it’s fun, and it fits perfectly with the growing culture of sober curiosity in India.

Why is this trend gaining popularity?

Coffee raves offer something that typical nightclubs can’t, which is a sense of light-hearted connection without the late-night fatigue. They cater to early risers, fitness enthusiasts, music lovers, and those who simply want to enjoy a party without alcohol.Plus, in an age of Instagrammable experiences, these sober parties full of neon lights, latte art, and dance floor vibes are perfect for reel content.